The Durban University of Technology (DUT) continues to be a leader in pioneering and inculcating academic excellence within the ranks of its Student Representative Council (SRC) leaders.

History will be recorded when eight SRC leaders from both the Durban and Pietermaritzburg campuses are conferred with their qualifications during the upcoming Autumn Graduation ceremonies (25 and 26 April 2018 for Pietermaritzburg) and (07 to 14 May 2018 in Durban).

Just recently, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Naledi Pandor made a clarion call on

Twitter for student leaders to complete their studies in record time, and DUT SRC has responded emphatically to the call by the Minister.

“I wish to encourage all SRC leaders to leave their institutions of learning in the minimum years of their studies. They have to “lead” by example. They must graduate in time and go back to implement the change within society, and also contribute to the economy,” said Pandor.

For DUT Pietermaritzburg SRC, Deputy President, Siphiwe “Wele” Vilakazi, who will be graduating with a B-Tech in Public Management, graduation is a humbling and motivating achievement. “Graduation is very significant to me because I will make my parents proud, I will also encourage other students and I feel inspired to achieve more,” said Vilakazi.

The Pietermaritzburg SRC, Education Transformation and Officer, Robert Thema, who obtained 17 Distinctions out of 20 modules, and will be graduating with a National Diploma in Ecotourism also expressed his excitement. “My graduation means a lot to me as I will be the first from my family to be a graduate, and I believe I have paved the way for my siblings. It’s also gives me hope that this is a stepping stone towards contributing in the economy of this country,” said Thema.

The full list of DUT SRC members who will graduating include:

• Siphiwe Vilakazi, Deputy President (PMB), and will be graduating with a B-Tech in Public Management.
• Robert Thema, Education and Transformation Officer (PMB), and will be graduating with a National Diploma in Ecotourism.
• Ozayo Ntshulana, Sport and Recreation Officer (PMB), and will be graduating with a B-Tech in Public Management.
• Hlanganani Shange, Organisation and Accommodation Officer (PMB), and will be graduating with a National Diploma in Ecotourism.
• Ntethelelo Ngema, SRC General Secretary (PMB), and will be graduating with a B-Tech in Public Management.
• Nduduzo Miya, Organisation and Accommodation Officer (DBN), and will be graduating with a B-Tech in Tourism.
• Nocawe Mthembu, Sport and Recreation Officer (DBN), and will be graduating with a National Diploma in Photography.
• Sibonelo Zwane, Projects and Campaigns Officer (DBN), and will be graduating with a National Diploma in Jewellery Design.

Pictured: DUT Executive Management together with SRC members during the SRC inauguration.

Nduduzo Ndlovu